librarianlayla's Reviews (954)

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There are a lot of similarities between this and Harry Potter.

I did really enjoy the book, it has magic and mystery with whimsical delight sprinkled on top. There were moments that I felt were perhaps a little rushed and I wanted more from the characters relationships with others. I wanted to feel the connection that she had with those she considered love ones, and sadly I didn't feel to much for any of them.

I did however really enjoy the story, the magic and the journey that we were taken on.

Fans of the Wizarding World or the Nevermoor series may just enjoy this magical journey of self discovery.

3/3.5 stars.

I wish I felt more for the characters, this one felt very rushed in the beginning, stalled in the middle and then rushed again at the end.

I just wanted a little more from everything, I really want to feel invested in the characters as well as their journey, but I found myself putting the book down quite frequently due to disinterest sadly.

I will finish this trilogy though.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This historical fiction had a lot of promise, sadly I felt it under delivered on the suspense and mystery I was looking for from the description of it. I liked the character of Xan, I feel he was plucky and thoughtful. I just wanted a lot more from the other characters and the plot.

I do think that the helpful notes at the beginning will be helpful for younger readers who are reading historical fiction for the first time.

If you're wanting to branch out into historical fiction for the first time, then this might be a good start for you. It is very religion heavy, so if this is something that is perhaps triggering for you in any way, then perhaps skip it.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

2.5/3 stars.

I had really high hopes for this book, it had all the ingredients to be something I really loved. It had murder, mystery, enemies to lovers ect. however the delivery fell very short for me.

First off let me just add a trigger warning for this book with regards to domestic abuse, torture and drug related abuse.

There were so many inconsistencies with the plot, a lot of information given that characters somehow didn't remember despite there being no real reason for them not to (i.e there was no amnesia ect). The world building didn't feel fully fleshed out, it was confusing to try and immerse yourself fully. And the romance seemed very rushed with no substance at all, it was 0 to 100 in the space of what felt like two chapters at most.

Also, the ending. It was, I don't know. That's how abrupt it was.

I really really wanted to love this book, the idea of it was right up my alley. I loved the themes, I was just disappointed with the storytelling itself. Great potential though.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

**Trigger warning for themes of sexual assault and child exploitation. They aren't main themes of the story however if these are triggering for you in any way, perhaps consider not reading it. I went into this not knowing so hopefully this will help others in making their choice to read this book.**

3.5/4 Stars.

A moving and fantastical tale, that was filled with mystery. I thought that this was going to be more 'travelling show magical fantasy' and less set in the real world. But I did enjoy how the story unfolds, how the main character, Frankie, grows and discovers more about herself and her past.

It was a quick and easy to read story, well written and filled with emotion. It is easy to connect to the characters, their motivations and dreams. I did find the 'villain' a little lacklustre, I wanted perhaps a little more from him, to build up to the ending. But all in all, I really enjoyed this book.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a quick pick me up,look no further.

Adorably illustrated, heart warming and uplifting. The exact thing I needed this year.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Comical, lovely and accurate in so many ways. I have adored Catana's artwork on her social for a while now and this adorable little book is perfect.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An emotional introduction to Alyrra's childhood and how one decision set her up for the events in Thorn. The characters are well developed and thought out, the world is rich and enticing. Perfect for reading either before or after reading Thorn.